The troops and the RBR Band & Corps of Drums added to the spectacle as the Masonic Lodge of St George’s paid the annual rent for the State House – one peppercorn.

Jose Urbano, a tourist from Florida, said the ceremony was “beautiful.”

He added: “I enjoy the people being so relaxed. It’s different in America. Everyone’s so tense.”

The RBR Colours are marched off King’s Square in St George’s at the end of the annual Peppercorn Ceremony.

Mr Urbano said he last visited Bermuda 30 years ago and was pleased to be back.

He added: “We were so lucky to see that celebration today and that we were able to enjoy it.”

Sandi Harries, from Paget, said:”It was marvellous. It’s great to continue that tradition.

“It makes me very proud to be a Bermudian and to be able to witness something like this.”

The RBR Band & Corps of Drums at the Peppercorn Ceremony in St George’s.

Governor John Rankin told the crowds in the Olde Towne’s King’s Square that Bermuda was “fortunate that we live together with religious communities in harmony, respecting each other’s beliefs”.

He added that this week’s Easter Sunday bombings in Sri Lanka and a terror attack on a mosque in New Zealand last month highlighted the dangers of extremism and “the importance of standing together in a spirit of tolerance”.

Mr Rankin thanked the Freemasons for their charitable work and the RBR “together with the Bermuda Police Service in ensuring the safety and security of this island”.

Mayor of St George Quinell Francis said that plans pertaining t the Corporations of St George’s and Hamilton meant the 203rd Peppercorn Ceremony was “the end of an era in Bermuda’s history”.

Governor John Rankin makes his way to the State House in St George’s, flanked by Aide-de-Camp Lieutenant Alex Gibbs

RBR Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel David Curley said he was pleased by the performance of the troops on parade, who were drawn from the RBR’s humanitarian and disaster relief company, commanded by Major Dwight Robinson with Captain Kenji Bean as parade commander.

He added: “They all looked very good and the band gave a great performance. It was a long parade, so they stood fast .”

Col Curley said: “There were a lot of spectators, which was very pleasing. I also spotted a lot of schoolchildren, which was good to see.

St George’s Freemasons leave the podium after the rent of one peppercorn is paid for the State House.

“It’s Bermuda traditions at their finest. We are delighted to support the Governor, thev Government of Bermuda as well as the Corporation of St George’s and to add some pomp and ceremony to this occasion.”

Col Curley added that the soldiers on parade were also undergoing extra training to prepare them for Exercise Tradewinds, a major international disaster training event, to be held in St Vincent and the Grenadines in the summer.